Books by Randy (University of Minnesota Moore

This encyclopedia provides readers with a comprehensive look at the Galápagos Islands, from the wildlife and scientists that made them famous to the challenges and issues the islands face today.In the mid-1800s, the Galápagos Islands served as Charles Darwin's playground, a volcanic archipelago where he famously worked on his theories of evolution and natural selection. But who actually discovered the islands? Why didn't any country claim them for more than 200 years? And is ecotourism hurting or helping these mysterious islands?This volume explores the history, science, and culture of the Galápagos Islands. A Preface, Introduction, Chronology, and Galápagos at a Glance primer introduce readers to the islands that are so famously associated with Charles Darwin. Twelve thematic essays allow readers to explore such topics as evolution, the geology of the islands, invasive species, and tourism in depth. Topical entries follow, covering key individuals and organizations as well as other important concepts and ideas.Thirteen primary document excerpts allow readers to study firsthand accounts from explorers and visitors to the islands. Appendices, a glossary, a bibliography, and sidebars round out the text. Students of history, geography, and science will find this volume informative, while general readers will be intrigued to learn about these unique islands.

This single-volume encyclopedia examines the Grand Canyon in depth, from the native peoples who have survived there for centuries to the explorers who charted its vast expanses and to the challenges that Grand Canyon National Park faces.The Grand Canyon is one of the most internationally recognized landscapes and symbols of nature in North America. In this one-volume encyclopedia, readers can dive into the many people, places, stories, and issues associated with the Grand Canyon as well as the scientific, religious, and social contexts of events that have made the Grand Canyon what it is. At the front of the encyclopedia are thematic essays that examine the Grand Canyon's history, geography, and culture. Essays cover topics including John Wesley Powell, to whom the Grand Canyon "belongs," the Native Americans who live at the Grand Canyon, and the future of the Grand Canyon. Following the thematic essays are approximately 150 topical entries focusing on more specific aspects of the Grand Canyon, such as trails and camps, natural formations, and courageous heroes as well as shameless profiteers who have influenced the Grand Canyon's history. The encyclopedia is rounded out by a chronology of human history at the Grand Canyon, a Grand Canyon "at a glance" section, and multiple fact-based sidebars. Through the people, places, and stories explored in this work, readers will gain a better understanding of how the history of the Grand Canyon is relevant to the world today.

Providing an appealing chronology of "all things dinosaur," this book covers these ancient creatures' roles and surprising importance in science, religion, and society at large.